Increase Fuel Stock During MotoGP, Pertamina Keeps Indonesia's Image In International Eyes

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Economic researcher at Pasundan University Bandung, Acuviarta Kartabi supports Pertamina's efforts, which increase the stock of all fuel products up to five times before the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2024 or MotoGP Mandalika, 27-29 September 2024. According to Acu, his nickname, in addition to avoiding fuel scarcity amid increasing tourists and spectators, this step is also to maintain Indonesia's image in the eyes of the international community.

"Yes, maintaining the image of Indonesia. The reason is, if the interest in watching MotoGP is high but fuel is insufficient, then the world will see it as a bad image. The international community will judge that Indonesia is unable to provide fuel for international events. That's dangerous," said Acu to the media, Friday, September 27.

According to Acu, Pertamina certainly has taken into account and anticipates fuel needs during the grand event, including Avtur. Acu assessed that Pertamina's steps must be appreciated because it also ensures that people continue to get fuel supplies when demand increases sharply before, during, and after the MotoGP event.

"I think it's positive to support the MotoGP event," said Acuviarta.

Likewise related to Avtur. According to Acu, Pertamina's efforts to increase Avtur's stock at Lombok International Airport (BIL), from 110 kiloliters to 176 kiloliters, must also be appreciated. The reason, he said, flight traffic ahead of the MotoGP event would definitely increase. Because, not only for passenger planes, but cargo planes also arrived at BIL to deliver logistics for the MotoGP participating team.

"I estimate, there will be a surge in airplane passengers and fuel traffic. If we look at Mandalika, the hub is still in Lombok and to get to the Mandalika Circuit requires transportation," said Acuviarta.

Likewise, Acu reminded, so that the increase in fuel stock must remain measurable and pay attention to statistical figures, including spectators, tourists, and even flight traffic to and from Lombok. By paying attention to statistical figures, he added, Pertamina can take into account that the addition of stock during MotoGP does not have an impact on the distribution of fuel in other areas.

Only that? No. Regarding the increase in LPG stock in Lombok Raya up to 54.6 percent before MotoGP, Acu also considered it Pertamina's right effort. Why?

"Because culinary needs are also confirmed to increase, it requires additional fuel to cook," he said.

With the guaranteed supply of fuel and LPG, Acu is optimistic that he can support the success of the MotoGP in Mandalika. Thus, added Acu, it can create economic sectors, especially in Lombok Raya. In the city of Mataram, for example, it can create the transportation, tourism and trade sectors.

This is comparable to the high number of visits by the community and tourists to Mandalika and Lombok Raya. It will also encourage economic growth in the Greater Lombok area," concluded Acu.

Previously, Pertamina through Pertamina Patra Niaga did increase the stock of fuel in the Lombok area and its surroundings by five times the average normal consumption. The addition was carried out, in line with the international event of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2024 (MotoGP 2024), at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on 27-29 September 2024.

All facilities at the supply point are in prime condition. For fuel needs in Lombok, they will be supplied from the Integrated Ampenan Terminal with a total terminal capacity of 40,034 kilo liters (kl). We maintain stock security up to 5 times the normal consumption for all fuel products," explained Pertamina Patra Niaga's Corporate Secretary Heppy Wulansari previously.